The North Island is characterised by its lush green vegetation, sandy beaches and the geothermal activity which bubbles and spouts to the surface in and around the Rotorua area. It's also the main historical and cultural centre of the Maori people.

1. Bay of Island
The clean, clear waters of the Bay of Islands make it a paradise for every imaginable activity. Here you'll find dolphins, diving, glorious beaches and trees that are over 1,200 years old.

2. Auckland
Auckland, the 'City of Sails', has more boats per capita than any other city. Food is a serious part of life in Auckland - with Pacific Rim cuisine taken to new heights. Scores of boutiques, galleries and craft shops pack the streets and arcades. Less than an hour away, you can find yourself on a beach, forest or one of more than 20 wineries.

3. Coromandel
The Coromandel peninsula is an unspoilt region with a fabulous coastline. This is real 'back country' and a great place for swimming, sailing, big-game fishing, hiking - or just lazing on a beach. Visit Coromandel Forest Park with its ancient kauri trees or Hahei Marine Reserve with Cathedral Cove. At Hot Water Beach thermal springs bubble up through sands which fringe the Pacific. Lie on the beach, dig a little and relax in the luxury of your own hot water spa pool.

4. Rotorua
Rotorua is New Zealand's main centre for geothermal activity. After a hard day's holidaying, relax in a thermal pool - many of the places you can stay have their own pools. Rotorua is also a centre of Maori culture and traditions. The Maori Arts & Crafts Institute is a good starting point where you'll see skilled carvers working.

5. Hawke's Bay
Known as the Land of Plenty, Hawke's Bay is an easy-paced region with a Mediterranean climate. Hawke's Bay is one of the country's top wine regions where around 30 wineries open their gates for free wine tasting. Napier has the world's finest display of art deco architecture, an outcome of the re-building of the city following a major earthquake in 1931.

6. Wellington
There's a great freshness about Wellington. You'll sense a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere with creativity and innovation evident everywhere - in music, dance, art, food and architecture. Around 500 restaurants and cafes make Wellington a real 'cafe society'. Professional theatres thrive here. Ballet, opera and classical concerts all enjoy enthusiastic support. The latest addition to Wellington is the Te Papa complex, New Zealand's largest cultural showcase.